My earliest TATL flight was also in 1986, which was a Delta flight. I don't recall that people were smoking on board, but maybe at that time it wouldn't have been unusual anyway (hence I don't remember).

Without wanting to start a general argument about smoking, I understand what CWS said about the the Paris flight, because when I'm in a smoke filled room it makes me ill (mainly a headache). So I'm most thankful that it has been banned, although I can appreciate that it can be difficult for smokers.